SNAP on Pause: Northeast Ohio Families Scramble as November Benefits Stall
With 1.4 million Ohioans affected, Greater Cleveland food pantries race to fill gaps while state and local groups mobilize emergency support.
Photo credit: Aaron Doucett, unsplash.com
EUCLID, Ohio — Residents who rely on SNAP could see delayed or reduced November benefits after federal funding and court disputes left issuances uncertain. In Northeast Ohio, food banks and county agencies are scrambling to meet a surge in need.
Two federal judges have ordered the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to pay SNAP benefits during the shutdown on Capitol Hill. However, the Trump administration has lobbied the US Supreme Court in an effort to prevent the release of federal funding.
With uncertainty hanging in the air, Governor Mike DeWine ordered ODJFS to distribute $7 million to eight regional food banks. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) announced Friday that it would start sending out November benefits as early as next week. Unfortunately, SCOTUS’s emergency ruling issued a new freeze on SNAP funding, despite the urgent needs of 41.7 million Americans.
The late SCOTUS ruling Friday evening means that ODJFS must pause its plan to fund Ohio SNAP benefits for now, leaving 1.45 million Ohioans wondering when, or if, they will receive their benefits.
Food Not Bombs, Lake County & East-side Cleveland volunteers distribute food at 6321 St. Clair. Video credit: Food Not Bombs, Lake County & East-side Cleveland Instagram
While the Federal government stubbornly refuses to issue benefits to needy families, local organizations are leading the mutual aid charge. Below is a compiled and incomplete list of resources for families in need during this prolonged time of difficulty.
Resources for Cleveland & Lake County
LAKETRAN is offering free fares on all local routes — Route 1-9 and 14 — every day until SNAP benefits are reinstated, paving the way for Lake County residents to access over 30 food pantries and 11 fresh produce distributions that are planned for November.
Food Not Bombs Lake County & Eastside CLE will be actively distributing food at 6321 St. Clair in Cleveland, every 2nd & 4th Sunday from 3-4 PM, and at the Daniels Park North parking lot in Willoughby, every 1st & 3rd Sunday from 3-4 PM.
LOVE in Action Ohio will be distributing fresh bakery goods and produce Saturdays at 1:00PM, 11/8, 11/15, 11/22, and 11/29.
The Cleveland, Ohio, Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity will give away free Thanksgiving turkeys on Saturday, 22nd November, from 10 AM to noon to all families in need, while supplies last. Find KAP at The Venue on North Vine: 20713 N. Vine Ave, Euclid, OH, 44119.
On November 20th, 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, CareSource, and Ohio Council for Home Care & Hospice are teaming up for their “Turkey Giveaway and Health Expo”. Interested residents may call (216) 431-7656 or email Mr. Robinson at: jrobinson@thefriendlyinn.org for more information.
Cleveland.com’s Alex Darus reports that Swenson’s is offering free children’s meals to all families in need who stop by their local establishments.
The Greater Cleveland Food Bank has partnered with the Cuyahoga County Library system and will distribute free food at local libraries to those in need on select dates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tue, Nov 4 at the Parma-Snow Branch
Wed, Nov 5 at the Garfield Heights Branch
Thu, Nov 13 at the Warrensville Heights Branch
Tue, Nov 25 at the South Euclid-Lyndhurst Branch
While the issuance of SNAP benefits to Ohioans faces uncertainty, local grassroots organizations, food banks, and businesses vow to provide mutual aid assistance to Ohioans left out to starve during the Thanksgiving season.